“If feels great,” Williams, who scored a game-high 31 points said. “It is a senior tradition, and we just got to keep it up.”

In front of a near-capacity crowd, including the student section, nicknamed “Siegel Nation”, had to deal with a barrage of long distance threes by the Blue Raiders during the first half. B.J. Davis and D.J. Bowles combined for eight three-pointers in the opening 16 minutes. Cleveland jumped out to a 14-4 advantage in the first few minutes of the contest.

“We talked about weathering the storm,” Siegel head coach Ben Dotson said. “We are senior-led and they kept their composure.”

In the second quarter, the Stars were lead by Williams and junior point guard Treyton Harris who combined for 15 of the 23 points during the quarter, including a combined 11-for-12 from the foul line. Harris also added a couple of runners in the lane and senior Labrock Thomas knocked down a three as time ran out to take a 37-32 lead at the half. It was Thomas’ only bucket of the game.

Senior Stephen Hurt started the third quarter by scoring the first seven points for the Nation, after being benched during the first half for poor play. However, the Blue Raiders kept hanging around by hitting big shots at key times, but the closest they got was four points.

In the final stanza, Williams put the Stars on his back with another trip to state on the line. He impressed his future college coach, Buzz Peterson, who was in attendance with several key blocks, a couple of thunderous slams and dominating the paint. While his teammate, Harris showed off his ball-handing skills by breaking the Blue Raiders full-court pressure.

“We just played hard and I trusted my teammates,” Williams said.

When asked about his newest signee performance, Peterson said he couldn’t comment because of NCAA rules. He did say the Stars played great and they have a great class coming in next year Williams, however, has signed already with the school.

The Blue Raiders got it down to four, 62-58 with 2:02 remaining in the game. Cleveland, however, was called for a technical and Williams nailed the two free throws. Harris then added a bucket to extend the lead to 67-58. Williams brought the crowd to their feet with another dunk. The Blue Raiders hit a three at the buzzer, but it was too little, too late.

Siegel High was born in 2003, but the Stars are already heading for their fifth state tourney appearance, including last season. Their best showing was advancing to the semifinals in 2005 and 2008. However, the team will only enjoy the win for a day and then get ready for the 2011 TSSAA State Tournament at the Murphy Center starting next week.

“It is just another win,” Harris said. “We will celebrate when we win the state.”

Scoring

Siegel: Cedrick Williams 31, Treyton Harris 17, Oscar Butler 9, Stephen Hurt 7, Labrock Thomas 3, Kris McCord 2

Cleveland: D.J. Bowles 19, B.J. Davis 17, Rondazz Mee 15, Jared Rhodes 6, Caleb Hiddleson 4, Tevin Rutledge 2